KUALA LUMPUR – Umno appears to have backtracked and now reverted to supporting the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government, but not Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
During a press conference in Parliament today, former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak (Pekan-BN) reiterated the party’s call for Muhyiddin to step down following today’s public reprimand by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“The party has decided that we will withdraw our support from Muhyiddin as prime minister but continue supporting the PN government.
“According to the Agong’s decree, it is very clear that His Majesty is disappointed with current development. It is clear in the statement issued by the Istana Negara.
“Muhyiddin, as the head of the government, should be responsible for what is going on and the best thing for him to do now is for him to step down honourably.”
Najib, who is the most recent former Umno president, delayed his 4pm press conference to 7pm to attend a Barisan Nasional backbenchers meeting. He is chairman of BN backbenchers
When asked if he would be in favour of a no-confidence motion on Muhyiddin if it is tabled, Najib said he will only make up his mind then.
“If there is no action from Muhyiddin, we will see what will happen then. In terms of principles, what will happen will happen. I cannot speculate.
“I don’t believe there will be a vote of no-confidence against the prime minister.”
Najib’s comment came shortly after Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob insisted that the government still had the support of more than 110 MPs amid the chaos in Dewan Rakyat.
In a brief statement, the Umno vice-president acknowledged the decree issued by the Agong today while admitting that the political instability will affect the recovery efforts of the economy and the pandemic.
However, the statements by the two Umno leaders appear to contradict with the Supreme Council decision announced by party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on July 8.
Zahid had announced that the party withdrew support for PN and Muhyiddin, saying there would be no compromise on the matter.
The party had called on Muhyiddin to step down honourably and make way for a new prime minister, with the focus being on putting Malaysia back on track amid the Covid-19 pandemic. – The Vibes, July 29, 2021
